CES 2026: 7 Must-Buy Gadgets You Can Actually Order Right Now

CES 2026: 7 Must-Buy Gadgets You Can Actually Order Right Now

Hook: CES always teases a lot of futuristic concepts, but for shoppers tired of vaporware and wishlists, here’s a pragmatic shortlist: seven standout gadgets shown at CES 2026 that are already shipping or available to order today — with real deals, real reviews, and real-world reasons to buy now.

If you’re overwhelmed by specs and marketing, this guide cuts to what matters: value-for-performance, where to buy, who should buy, and the practical catches (warranty, accessories, software updates). I pulled product availability and deal signals from coverage and retail listings from early 2026 — including hands-on reporting and launch listings — so you don’t chase something that won’t arrive for months.

Why buy now?

• Post‑CES stock and discounts: Many exhibitors move from demo to delivery quickly; some launches include aggressive launch pricing or opening-week discounts.
• Improved firmware and support: Manufacturers pushed updates after CES demos (late 2025 — early 2026), improving stability for early adopters.
• Component and shipping volatility: 2025 saw renewed supply-chain smoothing, but popular CES launches can sell out fast — preorders often ship weeks earlier than general restock.

How I picked these 7

I focused on CES highlights that meet three rules: (1) publicly announced at or just before CES 2026, (2) available to order or actively shipping by mid-January 2026, and (3) deliver clear, immediate value for typical buyers (not just impressive specs). Sources include mainstream tech coverage and retailer launch pages for confirmation.

The list (fast facts first)

1) Samsung Odyssey G50D — 32" QHD gaming/office monitor (Great value QHD)

Why it stood out: At CES 2026 Samsung’s Odyssey line continued to push high-refresh QHD panels into aggressive price tiers. The 32" Odyssey G50D offers a QHD VA panel, 165Hz+ refresh, and gaming-focused features at a price that undercuts many no-name 32" displays. Major retailers launched it immediately after CES and Amazon briefly ran a large discount (reports show reductions up to ~42% during launch windows).

Who should buy: Gamers who want big-screen QHD on a budget, content creators who need more screen real estate than 27", and home office users who want a single affordable large monitor for mixed work/play.

Real-world buying tips:

• Check panel uniformity and backlight bleed reviews for the exact batch you buy — large VA panels sometimes vary between units.
• If you plan to use the monitor for color-critical work, buy an external colorimeter or choose an IPS alternative — the Odyssey is optimized for contrast and motion, not absolute color fidelity.
• Watch Amazon and major retailers during the first 4–6 weeks after launch — initial markdowns can be steep but may be limited to dealer stock.

2) Roborock F25 Ultra (Wet‑Dry) — the do‑it‑all floor cleaner

Why it stood out: Roborock’s CES showcase included multi-modal wet-and-dry cleaning, object recognition, and improved mopping hardware. The F25 Ultra moved from show floor demo to retail launch quickly and was available on Amazon during the January window with steep introductory discounts (reports indicated nearly 40% off launch price in some outlets).

Who should buy: Households that need a single device to handle both heavy debris and sticky messes (pets, kids, tracked-in grime). It’s best for medium-to-large homes where manual wet mopping is a pain point.

Real-world buying tips:

• Confirm local service/parts availability — wet-dry systems have more wear parts (mop pads, water tanks, seals) than dry-only robots.
• Buy the extended warranty or check credit-card protection if you live in a hard-water area; gaskets and pumps experience more strain.
• Use scheduling and the no-mop zones in the app to avoid carpets during mopping cycles — reduces repair headaches and improves battery life.

3) Govee RGBIC Smart Lamp — affordable RGBIC lighting with app effects

Why it stood out: RGBIC lighting (individually addressable zones across a single lamp) has become mainstream in 2025–26. Govee’s updated lamp, demonstrated at CES exhibits, moved to retail immediately and was discounted below the cost of many traditional smart lamps during early promotion windows. For users who want atmosphere, streaming ambient lighting, and music-synced effects without a complex setup, this lamp is a top pick.

Who should buy: Streamers, gamers, and anyone who wants a plug-and-play, highly customizable light to upgrade a room’s vibe.

Real-world buying tips:

• Install the app and test the music-sync and preset routines the first day — firmware updates after CES clarified latency on music mode for many users.
• Pair with a smart-home bridge only if you need voice control; otherwise the direct Wi‑Fi app gives the richest effect control.
• If you use multiple fixtures, buy the same model to reduce color-matching headaches across devices.

For background on why lighting matters in retail, streaming setups, and conversion, see Why Circadian Lighting and Ambience Are Now Conversion Drivers.

4) VMAX VX6 — the 50‑mph headline scooter for thrill riders

Why it stood out: VMAX’s CES 2026 showcase grabbed headlines with a bold performance model: the VX6. Unlike vaporware hyper-scooters, Electrek’s coverage showed these are built machines intended for markets that allow high speed (and for riders who want full-throttle performance). The VX6 is aimed at experienced riders who need legal clearance and a safe environment to use it.

Who should buy: Enthusiasts who ride long-range, high-speed routes, and those comfortable with the legal and safety implications of fast micromobility.

Real-world buying tips:

• Check local laws: many U.S. and EU regions restrict top speed or require registration/insurance for 25 km/h+ vehicles. See broader mobility forecasts and regulation context in Future Predictions: Autonomous Night Taxis.
• Budget for high-performance accessories: premium brakes, a quality helmet, and professional maintenance for high-speed models.
• Buy from a dealer if possible: dealer support makes maintenance and warranty claims simpler for powerful units.

5) VMAX VX8 — touring and long-range focus

Why it stood out: The VX8 balances speed and range: a platform tuned for long commutes, bigger battery, and more robust suspension than commuter models. VMAX positioned it at CES as an option for riders who want stability and distance without going to full-race specs.

Who should buy: Daily commuters who ride longer distances and want a comfortable, reliable scooter with room for upgrades.

Real-world buying tips:

• Factor in battery replacement cost and shipping — long-range batteries add weight and long-term maintenance needs; see principles of repairable design for field equipment when planning ownership costs.
• Confirm whether the model ships with commuter-friendly features like integrated lights, fenders, and a secure lock point for urban use.
• Test-ride if possible — the suspension and deck ergonomics make a huge difference on rides over 10–15 miles.

6) VMAX VX2 Lite — ultra‑light commuter (best for city riders)

Why it stood out: The VX2 Lite is a lightweight, budget‑oriented commuter model that keeps the VMAX geometry but sacrifices top speed and range to achieve portability and price. For urban riders who store scooters in offices or take them on transit, it hits the right balance.

Who should buy: City commuters, multi-modal travelers, and riders who prioritize portability over top speed.

Real-world buying tips:

• Confirm the fold mechanism rating — repeated folding is the main wear point on portable scooters; see repairable design principles when evaluating long-term durability.
• Look for replaceable parts and availability of local service: small-scooter repairs are easy but depend on part supply.
• Compare total weight including battery — a 30–40 lb scooter with a weird balance point is harder to carry than specs suggest.

7) Sonos Era 300 (immersion-first smart speaker available now)

Why it stood out: While several audio companies used CES to demo spatial and immersive listening updates in 2026, the Sonos Era 300 remains one of the quickest, most polished ways for listeners to get room‑filling, three‑dimensional sound with streaming service support, multiroom syncing, and frequent firmware improvements. It’s widely available and often bundled during post‑CES promotions.

Who should buy: Apartment dwellers and living-room audio fans who want immersive stereo and easy integration with existing Sonos systems.

Real-world buying tips:

• Use the Sonos app’s Trueplay (or auto-tuning) if you have the Era 300 — it significantly improves imaging in small rooms. For broader context on software-updates and privacy-first on-device tuning, see Designing Privacy-First Personalization.
• Bundle with a Sonos Sub or an Era 100 for more balanced low end if you listen to bass-heavy music or watch action movies.
• Watch for holiday/stock clearing discounts — Sonos sometimes offers limited-time store bundles after CES.

How to prioritize these buys: a quick decision framework

When a desirable CES product is available now, ask four quick questions before hitting the buy button:

1. Do I get meaningful daily value? If the gadget replaces an existing pain (cleaning time, commuting stress, poor lighting), it’s a higher priority.
2. Is post-purchase support available? Check warranty, parts availability, and whether the company offers local service or an authorized repair channel.
3. Does buying now risk obsolescence? If the device is mainly a feature-forward update (e.g., a lamp with new app modes) it’s lower-risk than foundational tech (like batteries or CPUs) that might be replaced in months.
4. Are there launch discounts or bundles? A 20–40% introductory discount can justify buying now versus waiting for a stable-price period.

Price and deal hunting tips (actionable)

• Use price trackers (CamelCamelCamel, Keepa) for Amazon listings and set alerts for 10–20% drops; many CES launches follow predictable early markdown patterns.
• Check manufacturer storefronts: brands sometimes offer exclusive bundles or extended warranties for direct buyers during launch windows.
• For e-scooters, buy from an authorized dealer if you need fast warranty service — online-only sellers can complicate repairs and returns. Local dealer support and micro-fulfilment options are increasingly relevant; see on-property micro-fulfilment playbooks for examples of localized service models.
• Sign up for restock notifications and the retailers’ early-bird emails — some of the best CES launch discounts are announced via mailing lists.

2026 trends that make these gadgets compelling

• RGBIC and Ambient Lighting Go Mainstream: Individually addressable LEDs have moved from enthusiast status to everyday decor; smart lamps are now honest mood-makers, not gimmicks.
• Robots go hybrid: Wet-dry vacuums and better object recognition mean robotic helpers now tackle a broader set of household tasks with fewer manual interventions. For the role of AI and object sensing in product QA and robotics, see AI annotations for packaging and QC.
• Big-screen value: QHD 32" monitors are a pricing battleground in 2026; manufacturers push features down the price ladder as GPUs and consoles standardize higher frame rates.
• Micromobility diversification: Manufacturers offer three tiers (light commuter, touring, high-performance) rather than one-size-fits-all scooters — choose based on route and legal environment. For fleet, hub, and regulatory context, see Advanced Micro-Hub Strategies for Small Mobility Fleets.
• Software-first audio: Many CES audio demos focused on spatial audio via firmware and app updates — hardware that supports continual tuning (Sonos-era approach) keeps devices relevant longer.

What to watch out for (gotchas)

• Short launch warranty periods on some CES rollouts — read the fine print.
• Accessory scarcity post-launch (replacement filters, mop pads, specific scooter tires) — stock up or confirm aftermarket options; repairable design guidance helps here (repairable design).
• Regulatory headaches for high-speed e-scooters — even if a company sells a 50‑mph machine, it doesn’t mean you can legally ride it on public roads in your area. See mobility and policy outlooks noted in future mobility predictions.
• Compatibility caveats: smart-lamp ecosystems often lock features behind proprietary apps; consider whether you want device-agnostic Zigbee/Matter solutions or feature-rich proprietary ones.

Final takeaways — who should buy what, right now

• Buy the Samsung Odyssey G50D if you want large QHD real estate for gaming or multitasking at a bargain price and can accept VA tradeoffs.
• Buy the Roborock F25 Ultra if you need a single robot to handle both vacuuming and mopping and want the convenience of scheduled, automated cleaning.
• Buy the Govee RGBIC Lamp if room ambiance and streaming sync are top priorities — it’s the fastest way to transform a space for little money.
• Buy a VMAX VX2 Lite if you commute by transit and need a portable, easy-to-store scooter.
• Buy a VMAX VX8 if you ride longer distances and want a stable, comfortable scooter with real range.
• Buy a VMAX VX6 only if you know local laws and want a thrill‑oriented machine with pro-level safety gear and support.
• Buy the Sonos Era 300 if you want immediate, polished spatial audio with strong app support and multiroom features.

Call to action

If one of these CES 2026 favorites matches your needs, don’t wait for “a better model” rumor — check current retailer pages for launch bundles and short-term discounts, read the return/warranty terms, and sign up for price alerts so you don’t miss limited-stock markdowns. Want a personalized pick? Tell me your budget, primary use, and which tradeoffs you care about (portability vs. power, fidelity vs. price), and I’ll recommend the single best buy from this list for your situation.

Related Reading

• Streamer Workstations 2026: Smart Lighting, Desk Mats, and Focus Strategies
• Why Circadian Lighting and Ambience Are Now Conversion Drivers for Physical Sellers
• Repairable Design for Field Equipment: Practical Principles (2026)
• Beyond Shared Lockers: Advanced Micro‑Hub Strategies for Small Mobility Fleets in 2026
• Building a Resilient Monitoring Stack for Market Data During Cloud Provider Outages
• From Seoul to Spotify: How Kobalt and Madverse Could Shape South Asia’s Next Global Stars
• A Creator’s Legal Checklist for Partnering with Agencies After WME’s Orangery Deal
• Building Email Campaigns That Play Nice With Gmail’s New AI Features
• Budget E-Bike Storage Solutions for Apartments: Indoor Racks, Chargers, and Safety